from עֵבֶר; transitional; Ebron, a place in Palestine; Hebron. Perhaps a clerical error for עַבְדוֹן.
Transliteration:ʻEbrôn
Pronunciation:eb-rone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5683}}` (ʻEbrôn) is a place name, transliterated as Ebron. Its base definition indicates a derivation from `{{H5676}}` (ʻēber), which signifies "region beyond," "other side," or "crossing over." This etymological root lends to `{{H5683}}` the semantic nuance of "transitional" or "passing over." While the definition notes its identification with "Hebron," it is crucial to distinguish this specific Ebron from the more famous city of Hebron (`{{H2275}}`) located in the territory of Judah. The Ebron of `{{H5683}}` refers to a distinct geographical location in the northern part of Palestine, specifically within the tribal allotment of Asher. A critical note within the definition suggests the possibility that `{{H5683}}` may be a clerical error for `{{H5660}}` (ʻAbdôn), a significant point for contextual and textual analysis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5683}}` (ʻEbrôn) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Joshua 19:28]]: "And Ebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;"
This solitary occurrence is found within the detailed description of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Asher. The verse lists several cities that delineate the border or significant towns within Asher's territory. Given its geographical placement in this list, Ebron is clearly situated in the northern part of Canaan, far removed from the Hebron of Judah.
The suggestion that `{{H5683}}` might be a clerical error for `{{H5660}}` (ʻAbdôn) is widely supported by textual criticism. Abdôn is also a city within the territory of Asher, specifically designated as a Levitical city ([[Joshua 21:30]], [[1 Chronicles 6:74]]). Many ancient manuscripts and translations, including the Septuagint (LXX), read "Abdon" in [[Joshua 19:28]], lending strong credence to the idea that 'Ebrôn here is a scribal variant. If so, the place name itself, as `{{H5683}}`, represents a textual anomaly rather than a distinct, frequently mentioned location.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is its root, `{{H5676}}` (ʻēber), which means "beyond," "across," or "the other side." This root is foundational to understanding the "transitional" aspect implied in the base definition of `{{H5683}}`.
It is also vital to distinguish `{{H5683}}` from `{{H2275}}` (Chebrôn), the prominent city of Hebron in Judah, deeply significant in patriarchal narratives and the history of David. The similar sound but distinct geographical location and Strong's number underscore the importance of precise identification in biblical geography.
Most significantly, `{{H5683}}` is closely related to `{{H5660}}` (ʻAbdôn), the city that textual scholars propose as the original reading in [[Joshua 19:28]]. 'Abdôn, meaning "servitude" or "service," contrasts etymologically with the "transitional" meaning of 'Ebrôn, further supporting the idea of a scribal variant rather than an intentional alternative name. The relationship between these two terms is primarily one of textual criticism and variant readings.
### Theological Significance
As a singular and potentially variant place name, the theological significance of `{{H5683}}` (ʻEbrôn) is primarily indirect.
1. **Divine Order and Land Distribution:** Its inclusion, even as a potential variant, reflects the meticulous detail with which the biblical text records the fulfillment of God's promise of land to Israel. Each city, whether prominent or obscure, contributes to the precise delineation of tribal inheritances, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant.
2. **Textual Integrity and Preservation:** The scholarly discussion surrounding `{{H5683}}` as a possible clerical error for `{{H5660}}` highlights the rigorous process of biblical textual criticism. It demonstrates the painstaking care taken by scribes and scholars throughout history to transmit and understand the sacred text, even noting and analyzing potential discrepancies. This process, far from undermining the text's authority, reinforces the commitment to its accurate preservation.
3. **Theological Precision:** The need to distinguish this 'Ebrôn from the more famous Hebron (`{{H2275}}`) serves as a reminder of the importance of careful and precise study of the biblical text, avoiding assumptions based on superficial similarities. God's revelation is presented with a specificity that invites diligent investigation.
### Summary
`{{H5683}}` (ʻEbrôn) is a rare Hebrew place name, appearing only once in [[Joshua 19:28]] as a city within the tribal territory of Asher. Derived from `{{H5676}}` (ʻēber), it carries the semantic nuance of "transitional" or "crossing over." Critically, scholarly consensus often identifies `{{H5683}}` as a scribal error for `{{H5660}}` (ʻAbdôn), another city of Asher, which is also a Levitical city. This textual variant underscores the importance of textual criticism in understanding the biblical record. Theologically, the mention of 'Ebrôn contributes to the detailed portrayal of Israel's land inheritance, affirming God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises. It also serves as an example of the meticulous work involved in the preservation and scholarly study of the sacred Scriptures, urging careful distinction between similarly named places like the more famous Hebron (`{{H2275}}`).
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